BROADCAST RECEIVING DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a first unit and a second unit rotatably coupled to each other by a hinge mechanism. The first unit is provided with two operation buttons arranged symmetrical with respect to the center line passing through the respective centers of the first and second units. The second unit includes a power button that is superposed on one of the two operation buttons when the first and second screens are superposed on each other. One of the two operation buttons is used to display a keyboard image which permits an input operation through a touch panel.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/070,361 filed Mar. 23, 2011 which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-117739, filed May 21, 2010; the entire contents of each which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELDEmbodiments described herein relate generally to a broadcast receiving device and an electronic device, which have operation buttons on their displays.
BACKGROUNDThere are known broadcast receiving devices with operation buttons, such as power buttons, provided on the front surfaces of their displays, and electronic devices with touch panels used to perform various input operations.
By thus providing a user interface at the main unit side, the operability and accordingly, the convenience of the device can be enhanced, without employing an input device, such as a remote controller or a keyboard, separate from the main unit, such as a remote controller and a keyboard.
However, in, for example, an electronic device with a touch panel, in order to display a desired operation screen, it is necessary to switch some operation screens from one to another. In this case, a lot of time is required to finish one operation, which degrades processing efficiency.
There is a need for a broadcast receiving device or an electronic device having high operability and convenience.
A general architecture that implements the various feature of the embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate the embodiments and not to limit the scope of the invention.
(a) of
Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In general, according to one embodiment, an electronic device 10 comprises a first main unit 11 and a second main unit 12 that are rotatably coupled by a hinge mechanism 13. Two push button mechanisms 30 are incorporated in the first main unit 11 and arranged symmetrical with respect to a center line C passing through the respective centers of the long sides of a display panel 24 incorporated in the first main unit 11. The second main unit 12 incorporates a power button 16 that is superposed on one of the push button mechanisms 30 when the display panel 24 is superposed on a display panel 15 incorporated in the second main unit 12. One of the push button mechanisms 30 is assigned as an operation button 30L for displaying an input-operation enabled keyboard on a touch panel 23a.
First EmbodimentAs shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The display panel 4 is flat and rectangular. The display panel 4 receives a video signal from a video signal processing circuit included in a control circuit, both of which are not shown and are formed of, for example, electronic components mounted on a printed board, thereby displaying a still and/or moving image corresponding to the video signal. The light corresponding to the image displayed on the front surface 4b of the display panel 4 is forwardly emitted through the transparent touch panel 3a. The control circuit of the television receiver 1 comprises, as well as the video signal processing circuit, a tuner, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), an audio video (AV) input terminal, a remote signal receiving section, a controller, a selector, an on-screen display interface, a storing unit (e.g., ROM, RAM, HDD, etc.) and a voice signal processing circuit. The television receiver 1 also contains an amplifier and a speaker for voice output, which are not shown.
The touch panel 3a includes two transparent conductive films (not shown). When a finger of a user, or a stylus presses the conductive films, a current flows at the pressed portion, whereby the pressed portion is detected. The signal indicating the pressed portion of the touch panel 3a is sent to the above-mentioned controller, where processing based on the signal is executed.
The television receiver 1 of the first embodiment also comprises a vibration mechanism (not shown). The vibration mechanism includes a motor, and an eccentric weight to be rotated by the motor, and is attached to the rear surface 3f of the rectangular plate-like wall 3p of the frame 3c. The controller of the television receiver 1 operates the vibration mechanism to vibrate, for example, the touch panel unit 3 when the touch panel 3a is pressed. The user feels the vibration through the panel-pressed finger or stylus to thereby recognize that the pressing operation on the touch panel 3a has been accepted.
Between the front surface 4b of the display panel 4 and the rear surface of 3f of the frame 3c, a beltlike seal member 6 is provided along the peripheral portion of the front surface 4b of the display panel 4. The seal member 6 is formed of a flexible material, such as sponge, and suppresses entrance of, for example, foreign particles from the outside into the space S between the front surface 4b of the display panel 4 and the rear surface 3b of the touch panel 3a. The repulsive force of the seal member 6 is set to a low value so as to minimize its adverse influence on the swing or vibration of the touch panel unit 3. Namely, the seal member 6 little assists the support of the touch panel unit 3 by the housing 2.
The touch panel unit 3 as the front panel is swingably supported by the housing 2 as a support base via a plurality of swing support mechanisms (coupling mechanisms) 7, as is shown in
In the first embodiment, each swing support mechanism 7 comprises a support bracket 2c incorporated in the housing 2, an elastic bush 8 attached to the support bracket 2c, a coupling portion 7a inserted through a through hole 8a formed in the elastic bush 8, and a screw 9 screwed into the coupling portion 7a, as is shown in
The support bracket 2c is formed as a cylindrical boss projecting from the bottom 2a of the housing 2 to the to-be-supported front wall 3p of the frame 3c. A circular through hole 2e is formed in the central portion of the top wall 2d of the support bracket 2c, thereby providing an inwardly extending flange 2f.
The elastic bush 8 is an elastic cylindrical member formed of an elastomer (e.g., synthetic rubber) more flexible than the housing 2 and the frame 3c (coupling portion 7a). As shown in
Since the elastic bush 8 is elastically deformable, the worker can relatively easily insert the bush 8 into the through hole 2e from the front to attach the same to the support bracket 2c. The elastic bush 8 is formed asymmetrical with respect to its axis. This reduces the possibility of the bush being attached to the support bracket 2c in a wrong manner. Further, as shown in
The coupling portion 7a is formed as a cylindrical boss rearward projecting from the frame 3c. As shown in
The screw 9 comprises a head 9a, and a male portion 9b engaged with the female screw hole 7b. The screw 9 is screwed until the head 9a is brought into contact with an end face 7c of the coupling portion 7a.
Each swing support mechanism 7 as shown in
Further, in the first embodiment, the coupling portion 7a is inserted through the through hole 8a of the elastic bush 8 along the depth. Accordingly, simply by superposing the display panel 4 and the touch panel unit 3 on each other, the state in which the coupling portion 7a is inserted through the through hole 8a can be obtained, which makes the assemblage more easily and smoothly.
Also in the first embodiment, where each swing support mechanism 7 is assembled as shown in
Further, in the first embodiment, each support bracket unit 2c is formed as a boss forwardly projecting from the bottom 2a of the housing 2 (i.e., toward the front wall 3p of the frame 3c). This structure suppresses rearward projection of the swing support mechanisms 7 from the bottom 2a, whereby the swing support mechanisms 7 can be easily received in the housing 2. Further, since the elastic bushes 8 as the bases of the frame 3c are kept in contact with the front wall 3p, it is not necessary to provide the frame 3c with dedicated contact portions with which the bushes 8 are kept in contact, whereby the swing support mechanisms 7 can be made more simple in structure.
In the swing support mechanisms 7 constructed as the above, the touch panel unit 3 is harder to vibrate as the contact areas between the touch panel unit 3 and the elastic bushes 8 are greater. In view of this, the first embodiment includes a structure for reducing the contact areas between the touch panel unit 3 and the elastic bushes 8 when they are assembled. As an example, an annular projection 8h for reducing the contact areas of the inner surface of the through hole 8a and the outer surface of the coupling portion 7a is provided on the inner surface of the through hole 8a in each elastic bush 8. As another example, a plurality of projections 3g arranged circular are provided on those portions of the rear surface 3f of the frame 3c that oppose the elastic bushes 8. The projections 3g reduce the contact areas of the rear surface 3f of the frame 3c and the front surfaces of the elastic bushes 8. Of course, the invention is not limited to these examples. Alternatively, the coupling portions 7a have projections, or the front surfaces of the elastic bushes 8 have projections. These projections may be formed as annular projections, or may each formed of a plurality of projections arranged circular.
Also, in the first embodiment, the outer diameter Dh of each head 9a is greater than the inner diameter Dp of the through hole 2e of the corresponding support bracket 2c. Accordingly, even if the elastic bushes 8a cannot be attached, or are removed from the support brackets 2c because of, for example, degradation over time, the screws 9 are prevented from coming off from the through holes 2e of the support brackets 2c, thereby preventing the touch panel unit 3 from being unintentionally detached from the housing 2. Washers (not shown) may be interposed between the heads 9a and the elastic bushes 8. The washers suppress twisting of the elastic bushes 8 when the screws 9 are screwed. In this case, it is sufficient if the washers are formed to have a greater outer diameter than the inner diameter Dp of the through holes 2e.
In the first embodiment, the push button mechanisms 30 are exposed on the front surface of the touch panel unit 3 swingably supported by the housing 2. Each push button mechanism 30 is covered with a cover member 33 as a member movable relative to the frame 3c, and accepts an pushing operation from the front of the television receiver 1.
In the first embodiment, the push button mechanisms 30 are provided on the respective vertical portions 3i of the frame 3c as shown in
As shown in
The board 31 is located behind and parallel to the front wall 3p of the frame 3c with a gap therebetween, and has a front surface 31a and a rear surface 31b.
As shown in
In the first embodiment, the board 31 is formed as a printed circuit board. The push buttons 32, components 35, etc., are mounted, by, for example, soldering, on the front surface 31a of the board 31 opposing the rear surface 3f of the front wall 3p. The push buttons 32 are connected to a control circuit (not shown) including, for example, a CPU, via, for example, patterned wiring provided on the board 31, and a connector (not shown) included in components 35 mounted on the board 31, or a harness (not shown) connected to the connector.
Each push button switch 32 includes a main body 32a, and a movable portion 32b set retractable/projectable with respect to the main unit 32a. The movable portion 32b is projectable and retractable back and forth with respect to the main unit 32a. Each push button switch 32 contains a contact pair including a stationary contact and a movable contact (both of which are not shown). When the pair of contacts are connected, the circuit including the contacts is closed.
Each cover member 33 covers the front side of the corresponding push button switch 32 with a gap therebetween. Each cover member 33 is formed of an elastic material, such as elastomer or a synthetic resin, and is secured to the rear surface 3f of the front wall 3p by, for example, welding or adhesion. Through holes 3v are formed in the front wall 3p. The operation portion 33a of each cover member 33 is inserted through the corresponding through hole 3v and exposed to the front surface 3d side of the touch panel unit 3. In the first embodiment, the top surface 33g of the operation portion 33a is substantially level with the front surface 3e of the touch panel unit 3. When each cover member 33 is pressed by, for example, a finger of a user, it elastically warps rearward (downward in
As shown in
In the first embodiment, the left-hand push button mechanism 30 in
For instance, as shown in
Since the characters are drawn adjacent to the operation button 30L, the user can easily recognize for what the operation button 30L is used, which enhances the operability and convenience of the device. In the screen example of
In this case, since the operation button 30L for displaying the “TV Program Table” is positioned on the left side of the user when they view the TV receiver 1, they can touch a desired item 37 in the TV program table by the right hand immediately after they push the operation button 30L by the left hand. In light of the fact that most users are right-handed, the left-hand location of the operation button 30L is advantageous for realizing high operability.
Similarly, as is shown in
As described above, in the first embodiment, the push button mechanisms 30 as operation mechanisms for receiving pressing operations from the front are provided on the frame 3c of the touch panel unit 3. This enables the push button mechanisms 30 to be more reliably pushed than in the case where the push button mechanisms are incorporated in the housing.
In particular, when as in the first embodiment, the touch panel unit 3 is vibrated by a vibration mechanism, integration of the push button mechanisms 30 with the touch panel unit 3 is advantageous in suppressing the occurrence of vibration or noise.
Further, in the first embodiment, the push button mechanisms 30 are each arranged between the swing support mechanisms 7. Accordingly, inclination of the touch panel unit 3 due to the pressing operation of the push button mechanisms 30 can be suppressed, whereby the push button mechanisms 30 can be more reliably pressed.
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the push button mechanisms 30 comprise the board 31 provided behind the front wall 3p of the frame 3c with a gap therebetween, the push button switches 32 provided on the board 31 behind the front wall 3p, and the cover members 33 covering the respective push button switches 32 and exposed through the through holes 3v to the front side of the frame 3c. By virtue of this structure, the push button mechanisms 30 can be relatively easily mounted using the frame 3c of the touch panel unit 3.
Also in the first embodiment, the swing support mechanisms 7 each comprise the elastic bush 8 having the through hole 8a and having its outer periphery fitted in either the housing 2 or the touch panel unit 3 (in the embodiment, in the housing 2), and the screw 9 coupled to either the touch panel unit 3 or the housing 2 (in the embodiment, to the touch panel unit 3) for supporting the elastic bush 8 along with the touch panel unit 3. Since thus, the elastic bush 8 can be attached by fitting the same in either the housing 2 or the touch panel unit 3 (in the embodiment, in the housing 2), the assembler can more easily and smoothly attach the elastic bush than in the case of attaching the same by screwing or using an adhesive. Further, since the elastic bush 8 is arranged around the coupling portion 7a, variations in the swing characteristic (vibration characteristic) of the touch panel unit 3 in all directions perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 8a can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the elastic bush 8 fitted in either the housing 2 or the touch panel unit 3 (in the embodiment, in the housing 2) is held between either the touch panel unit 3 or the housing 2 (in the embodiment, the touch panel unit 3) and the screw 9 coupled to the touch panel unit 3, the repulsive force of the elastic bush 8 can be equally exerted in opposite axial directions, thereby suppressing variations in the swing characteristic (vibration characteristic) that occur in the opposite axial directions.
In addition, in the first embodiment, the elastic bush 8 of each swing support mechanism (coupling mechanism) 7 also serves as a suppressing portion for suppressing the swing of the tough panel unit 3 over the front surface (i.e., an XY plane) and in the directions other than the XY plane, i.e., in the directions intersecting the XY plane, and at least in the Z-direction (front-back direction). Namely, as shown in
In the first embodiment, since the mechanical operation buttons 30L and 30R are provided on the respective vertical portions 3i of the frame 3c, anther user interface can be provided on the main unit side of the TV receiver 1 in addition to the separate remote controller, thereby enhancing the operability and convenience of the receiver 1. For instance, by pressing the operation button 30L assigned as a left-hand TV program display button, a program table at the current time can be quickly displayed. At this time, if the user touches the column of a TV program on the program table, they can instantly program viewing or recording of the TV program.
Second EmbodimentAn electronic device 10 according to a second embodiment is formed as a so-called note PC, and comprises a first flat rectangular main unit 11, and a second flat rectangular main unit 12. The first and second main units 11 and 12 are coupled by a hinge mechanism 13 so that they can relatively rotate between the developed state shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Further, as shown in
As shown in
The display panel 24 is placed on the upper surface 22h of the bottom wall 22a as shown in
As shown in
As shown in, for example,
As shown in
Further, in the second embodiment, a vibration mechanism 18 is provided on the lower surface 23f of one of the short-side portions 23i (i.e., the right short-side portion 23i in
As shown in
The eccentric weight 18b of the vibration mechanism 18 is located closer to the center of the short side 23j than the motor 18a. This means that the vibration point of the vibration mechanism 18 is located closer to the center of gravity of the touch panel unit 23, which more efficiently vibrates the touch panel unit 23. Further, the touch panel unit 23 is harder to swing over the XY plane than when the eccentric weight 18b of the vibration mechanism 18 is located remoter from the center of the short side 23j than the motor 18a. Namely, the X-directional vibration of the touch panel 23a, which contains less swing components, can easily be obtained.
Further, as described above, in the second embodiment, the battery pack 17 is located away from the hinge mechanism 13, while the vibration mechanism 18 is located close to the vibration mechanism 18. Thus, in this embodiment, the battery pack 17 and the vibration mechanism 18 are located efficiently so that they do not interfere with each other in the housing 22 of the first main unit 11.
Also, by locating the battery pack 17 away from the hinge mechanism 13, the relatively heavy battery pack 17 can be also used as the fall prevention means of the electronic device 10. For example, when the second main unit 12 is raised from the state shown in
Further, as shown in
A printed circuit board 23m with electronic components for controlling the touch panel 23a is attached to the lower surface 23f of the long-side portion 23h of the frame 23c close to the hinge mechanism 13. The printed circuit board 23m is located near one (i.e., the left one in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The boards 31 are each configured as a printed circuit board. As shown in
As shown in
The operation portion 33a of each cover member is shaped like a disk. The arm portions 33b extending between the operation portion 33a and the fixed portions 33c each comprise a portion extending from the corresponding fixing portion 33c and an arcuate portion extending along the outer periphery of the corresponding operation portion 33a, these portions being coupled substantially in a V shape. By thus bending the arm portions 33b to increase their length, significant stress is prevented from occurring in the arm portions 33b. It is preferable that the arm portions 33b be formed so that the operation portions 33a will have sufficient rigidity to be kept stationary when no pressing force is exerted on but normal vibration and gravity are exerted on the operation portions 33a.
Each operation portion 33a comprises a ring-shaped thin base 33e, and a cylindrical projection 33f having substantially a D-shaped cross section and projecting from the central portion of the base 33e. A recess is formed in the backside (lower surface) 33h of the projection 33f. Further, a projection 33i opposing a movable portion 32b incorporated in the corresponding push button switch 32, and a projection 33j opposing the upper surface of the corresponding board 31, are provided on the backside 33h of the projection 33f. When each cover member 33 is assembled, the projection 33i opposes the upper surface of the movable portion 32b of the corresponding push button switch 32 with a gap therebetween, as is shown in
As shown in
Referring back to
Further, in the second embodiment, the bosses 23q are arranged along one side of each short-side portion 23i, while the projections 23r are arranged along the other side of each short-side portion 23i. This enables efficient arrangement of the bosses 23q and the projections 23r on each short-side portion 23i, which enables downsizing of the short-side portions 23i and accordingly the touch panel unit 23.
Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the bosses 23q are arranged closer to the touch panel 23a than the projections 23r. This means that the boards 31 are attached to the proximal ends of the short-side portions 23i that are located closer to the touch panel 23a and have higher rigidity, and therefore that the boards 31 and the push button switches 32 can be more reliably supported by the short-side portions 23i.
In the second embodiment, as shown in
As shown in
For instance, the operation button 30L for keyboard display includes the upper portion of the left operation portion 33a exposed at the upper surface 21a of the housing 22 of the first main unit 11. As shown, the exposed upper portion of the left operation portion 33a is not shaped circular, but has a D-shaped cross section obtained by linearly cutting part thereof close to the hinge mechanism 13. Further, a mark M for indicating the type of the operation button 30L is drawn close to the linear line of the upper portion of the left operation portion 33a on the portion of the cover 23d that covers the left portion of the upper surface of the housing 22. The mark M is a simplified figure having, for example, black and white portions.
By thus drawing the “keyboard” mark M adjacent to the operation button 30L, the user can easily recognize the role of the operation button 30L. Thus, the mark M enhances operability and convenience of the device. In particular, the design of the left operation portion 33a of the D-shaped cross section, and the mark M provided along the linear line of the upper portion of the left operation portion 33a enhances the appearance of the entire operation button.
Similarly, as shown in
Further, as mentioned above, the two operation buttons 30R and 30L are provided on the right and left portions of the first main unit 11 symmetrically with respect to the center line C shown in
When the user clicks, using a left finger, the operation button 30L for keyboard display in the state shown in
Further, when the keyboard image is displayed on the display panel 24 as shown in
Furthermore, when the user double-clicks the operation button 30L in the dual mode shown in
As described above, since the operation button 30L for displaying a keyboard image or a mouse pad image is located in the left position corresponding to the left hand of the user, the user can start a keyboard input operation (or a mouse pad operation) immediately after pressing the operation button 30L. Namely, since the dominant hands of most people are right hands, the operation button 30L in the left position is advantageous in enhancing the operability of the device.
When the electronic device is used with the two screens arranged side by side, i.e., when the portion of the first main unit 11 indicated by the broken line L is held by the left hand, and the portion of the second main unit 12 indicated by the broken line R is held by the right hand, the operation button 30L for keyboard display is positioned in the upper left position. However, when the electronic device is used with the two screens positioned side by side, the possibility of the use of the keyboard is extremely weak. Because of this, it is advantageous to locate the operation button 30L as shown in the figures in light of the fact that this location is convenient when the two screens are arranged one above the other as shown in
Referring now to the block diagram of
Assume here that both LCDs 115 and 116 are realized as touch screen displays.
This system comprises a CPU 100, a main memory 101, an SSD (Flash Solid State Drive, Flash Solid State Disk) 102, a WiFi 103, a 3G 104, a built-in camera 105, a PCH (Platform Controller Hub) 110, a display signal converter 111, a sound controller 112, a BIOS-ROM 113, an EC/KBC 118, a home button 30R, a keyboard button 30L, a speaker 117, etc.
The CPU 100 is a processor for controlling the operation of the computer 10, and is configured to execute an operating system (OS), various application programs, etc., loaded from a storage medium, such as the SSD 102, to the main memory 10. The application programs include, for example, an input control program. The input control program emulates the operations of the keyboard and the touch pad, using the touch position detecting function of each touch screen display (touch panel). The CPU 100 also executes a system BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The system BIOS is a program for hardware control. The CPU 100 executes processing for drawing display images of the “keyboard” and “mouth pad.” The PCH 110 controls devices associated with signal input and output, such as a serial ATA, a USB and a LAN. The display signal converter 111 converts SVDO (Serial Digital Video Output) signals output from the PCH 110, into LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) signals. The sound controller 112 controls the speaker 117.
The EC/KBC 118 has a function of turning on/off the computer 10 in accordance with user's keyboard operation or power button switch operation.
Referring then to the flowchart of
For instance, when the operation button 30L is pressed, with the dual mode screen images displayed on the two display panels 24 and 15 as shown in
If it is determined that the operation button 30L has been pressed for a relatively long time (No at step S3), the CPU 100 executes other processing such as calling the Internet explorer (step S4).
In contrast, if it is determined that the operation button 30L has been pressed once for only a short time (Yes at step S3), the CPU 100 again sets the timer to thereby determine whether the operation button 30L has been again pressed (i.e., double clicking has been made) (step S5).
If it is determined that there was no double clicking (No at step S5), the CPU 100 reads software KB.exe for displaying the keyboard (step S6). If the software KB.exe is already activated (Yes at step S7), the CPU 100 cancels the activation of the read software KB.exe (step S8).
If it is determined that the software KB.exe is not activated (No at step S7), the CPU 100 activates the read software KB.exe (step S9), and displays the keyboard on the display panel 24 as shown in
In contrast, if double clicking is detected at step S5 (Yes at step S5), the CPU 100 reads software mouse pad exe for displaying the mouse pad (step S11). If the mouse pad exe is already executed (Yes at step S12), the CPU 100 cancels the activation of the read mouse pad exe (step S14), and displays the mouse pad on the display panel 24 as shown in
As shown in
The support bracket 22c is provided on a peripheral portion of the bottom 22a of the housing 22, serving as a cylindrical boss projecting to the wall 23p as a to-be-supported portion. A circular through hole 22e is formed in the center portion of the top wall 22d of the support bracket 22c, and an inwardly extending flange 22f is formed around the through hole 22e.
The elastic bush 28 is formed cylindrical and made of an elastic material such as an elastomer (e.g., a synthetic resin), and has an annular groove 28c formed in the axial center portion of the periphery 28b of the bush 28. The elastic bush 28 is attached to the bracket 22c by engaging the annular groove 28c of the bush 28 with the flange 22f of the bracket 22c.
Since the elastic bush 28 is elastically deformable, it can be easily inserted into the through hole 22e from above. Thus, the elastic bush 28 can be relatively easily attached to the support bracket 22c. The elastic bush 28 is formed asymmetrical at axially opposite ends, which suppresses erroneous attachment of the elastic bush 28 to the support bracket 22c. Further, as shown in
The coupling portion 27a is formed as a cylindrical boss projecting downwardly from the frame 23c. As shown in
The screw 29 includes a head portion 29a, and a male screw portion 29b screwed into the female hole 27b. The screw 29 is screwed into the female screw hole until the head portion 29a contacts the end face 27c of the coupling portion 27a.
The swing support mechanism 27 shown in
In the second embodiment, the coupling portions 27a are inserted through the through holes 28a of the elastic bushes 28 along the width of the display panel 24, as in the first embodiment. Further, in a state in which the swing support mechanisms 27 are assembled, the upper expanded portions 28f of the elastic bushes 28 are interposed between the support brackets 22c as part of the housing 22 and the frame 23c of the touch panel unit 23, and the lower expanded portions 28g of the elastic bushes 28 are interposed between the support brackets 22c and the screws 29. Further, the elastic bushes 28 surround the coupling portions 27a. The support brackets 22c are formed as bosses upwardly projecting from the bottom 22a of the housing (namely, projecting toward the wall 23p of the frame 23c).
Also in the second embodiment, an annular projection 28h is provided on the inner surface of the through hole 28a of each elastic bush 28, and a plurality of projections 23g are circumferentially provided on the lower surfaces 23f of the frame 23c opposing the elastic bushes 28. These projections 28h and 23g serve as a structure for reducing the contact area between each elastic bush 28 and the touch panel unit 23 assumed when the device is assembled. These arrangements are just examples. Alternatively, for instance, projections may be provided on the coupling portions 27a, or on the upper surfaces of the elastic bushes 28. Further, a single annular projection may be provided, or a plurality of projections be provided circumferentially.
Further, in the second embodiment, as shown in
Thus, the electronic device 10 of the second embodiment has the same swing support mechanisms 27 as the swing support mechanisms 7 of the first embodiment although they differ in specifications such as size, number and position. Namely, the electronic device 10 of the second embodiment having the swing support mechanisms 27 can provide the same advantage as the television receiver 1 of the first embodiment having the swing support mechanisms 7. The swing support mechanisms 27 of the second embodiment function as suppression sections for the elastic bushes 28, like the swing support mechanisms 7 of the first embodiment.
Further, as described above, the electronic device 10 of the second embodiment the push button mechanisms 30 similar to those of the first embodiment and functioning as operation mechanisms. Accordingly, the second embodiment can provide the same advantage as that obtained by the corresponding mechanisms of the first embodiment.
In particular, in the second embodiment, in a dual mode state in which two screens are arranged one above the other as shown in
Moreover, the electronic device 10 of the second embodiment can be also used in a state (in which the two screens are arranged side by side) assumed by clockwise rotating the device through 90° from the state of
In this state, the operation button 30R for “home” incorporated in the first main unit 11 is positioned lower left to the user, and the power button 16 incorporated in the second main unit 12 is positioned lower right to the user. Namely, where the two screens are arranged side by side, the user can easily operate the operation button R by the left hand, and the power button 16 by the right hand. In this state, the operation button 30L for keyboard display is positioned upper left to the user. This involves no problem since the possibility of using the keyboard is weak when the user uses the electronic device 10 as an electronic book.
Further, in the second embodiment, the bosses 23q are arranged along one side of each short-side portion 23i, while the projections 23r are arranged along the other side of each short-side portion 23i. This enables efficient arrangement of the bosses 23q and the projections 23r on each short-side portion 23i, which enables downsizing of the short-side portions 23i and accordingly the touch panel unit 23. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the bosses 23q are arranged closer to the touch panel 23a than the projections 23r, whereby the boards 31 can be more reliably supported. In addition, the second embodiment incorporates the magnet 36 as a component attached to the lower surface 23f of the wall 23p, and the board 31 covers the rear side of the magnet 36. Thus, the board 31 can be used as a cover for the magnet 36 as a component.
While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.
Although the above-described embodiments are directed to the television receiver or the note PC having two display screens, the invention is not limited to them. The invention is also applicable to other types of electronic devices having a display panel and a front panel opposite thereto, such as a PC having one display screen (a note PC or a desk top PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart book, a smart phone, and a portable phone terminal. The invention is further applicable to devices incorporating, for example, an ARM processor that does not have a PC architecture.
Claims
1. An electronic device comprising:
- a housing;
- a display panel with a display screen, at least partially received in the housing;
- a touch panel unit comprising a touch panel covering the display screen, and a frame located outside the display screen and provided with an operation portion accepting an outer operation, and a cover integrating the touch panel and the frame into the touch panel unit, the touch panel unit configured to vibrate with respect to the housing;
- a vibration mechanism which is housed in the housing and attached to the frame of the touch panel unit and configured to vibrate the touch panel unit in a direction along a plane of the touch panel; and
- a support mechanism provided between the frame and housing configured to allow the touch panel unit to vibrate with respect to the housing, and to absorb at least part of vibration from the touch panel unit toward the housing,
- wherein the operation portion switches an image displayed on the display screen to a keyboard image by the outer operation.
2. An electronic device comprising:
- a housing;
- a display device with a display screen, at least partially received in the housing;
- a unit comprising a panel covering the display screen, and a peripheral member located outside the display screen and provided with an operation portion accepting an outer operation, and a cover integrating the touch panel and the peripheral member into the unit, the unit configured to vibrate with respect to the housing;
- a vibration mechanism which is housed in the housing and attached to the peripheral member of the unit and configured to vibrate the unit in a direction along a plane of the panel; and
- a support mechanism provided between the peripheral member and the housing, configured to allow the unit to vibrate with respect to the housing and to absorb at least part of vibration from the unit toward the housing,
- wherein an image display screen is switched to a keyboard image according to an operation by the operation portion.
3. The electronic device of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of support mechanisms supporting the peripheral member of the unit with respect to the housing and the display device,
- wherein the operation portion is provided between the plurality of support mechanisms.
4. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the operation portion comprises:
- an operation portion supporting member provided behind a front wall of the peripheral member with a gap therebetween;
- an operation portion main unit provided on the operation portion supporting member and provided behind the front wall; and
- a cover member, as a movable portion, covering the operation portion main unit and exposed through a through portion on the front wall to a front side of the peripheral member.
5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the peripheral member comprises:
- a plurality of support member fixing portions arranged on both sides with the cover member held therebetween, and to which the operation portion supporting member is fixed; and
- a cover member fixing portion to which the cover member is fixed behind the front wall,
- wherein the support member fixing portions and the cover member fixing portion are arranged on sides opposite to each other with the cover member held therebetween.
6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the front wall comprises a beltlike portion extending along a periphery of the panel, and
- the support member fixing portions are arranged on both sides of drawing direction of the beltlike portion with the cover member held therebetween.
7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the support member fixing portions are arranged on one end of width direction of the beltlike portion, and the cover member fixing portion is arranged on other end of width direction of the beltlike portion.
8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the support member fixing portions are arranged closer to the panel than the cover member fixing portion.
9. The electronic device of claim 4, further comprising a component provided on a rear surface of the front wall,
- wherein the operation portion supporting member covers a rear side of the component.
10. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the support mechanisms comprise:
- an elastic bush in which a through portion is formed and an outer peripheral portion is attached to one of the housing and the unit; and
- an engagement member engaged with other of the housing and the unit via a coupling portion inserted through the through-portion, and holding the elastic bush with the other thereof.
11. An electronic device comprising:
- a housing;
- a display device at least partially received in the housing;
- a unit comprising a panel covering the display device, and
- an operation portion connected to the panel and switching a display image on the display device to a key board image by accepting an outer operation, and a cover integrating the panel and the operation portion into the unit, the unit configured to vibrate with respect to the housing;
- a vibration mechanism which is housed in the housing and attached to the unit and configured to vibrate the unit in a direction along a plane of the panel; and
- a support mechanism provided between the unit and the housing, supporting the unit to allow vibration with respect to the housing to absorb at least part of the vibration from the unit toward the housing.
12. The electronic device of claim 11, further comprising:
- other housing comprising other display device with other panel; and
- a hinge coupling the housing and the other housing and configured to allow the housing and the other housing to rotate between a closed position where the panel and the other panel are facing each other, and an open position where the panel and the other panel are not facing each other.
13. The electronic device of claim 11, further comprising:
- other housing rotatably coupled to the housing and comprising other display device with other panel; and
- other operation portion symmetrical with the operation portion with respect to a center line through respective centers of the two panels.
14. The electronic device of claim 11, further comprising other housing rotatably coupled to the housing and provided with other display device and a camera.
15. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the operation portion is located in a left side when the display device is viewed from a front.
16. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the display image is switched to a mouse pad image by operating the operation portion.
17. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the panel is supported by an elastic member.
18. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the panel is supported by support mechanisms comprising a support bracket on the housing, an elastic bush attached to the support bracket, a coupling portion inserted through a through portion formed in the elastic bush, and an engagement member to be engaged with the coupling portion.
19. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the support mechanism is located between the vibration mechanism and the operation portion.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 13, 2014
Publication Date: Nov 27, 2014
Inventors: Akira Imamura (Hamura-shi), Toshikatsu Nakamura (Akishima-shi)
Application Number: 14/459,240
International Classification: G06F 1/16 (20060101);